Sat with my Cousin Ruby watching 'Britain's Got Talent' yesterday evening, which is unusual in itself. It's been a long time since I've sat and relaxed in a homely environment with family and I actually quite liked it. Ruby my second Cousin has turned into a lovely young lady. I learnt about 'Clarabella,' who I had never heard of before and all the things Ruby wants to buy, as well as 'Barbie Preparation Salon,' Don't ask! It was however nice sat chatting with Rubes, who just happens to be a joy to be around. I have missed this kind of contact!

This morning I was up bright an early; a trip to ASDA was on the cards. This was the first time in a British supermarket for nearly three years; oh how I have missed ASDA! Looking around the shop I was struck by how much cheaper things are in the UK and there was me thinking Spain was better value...I reckon I have just been out of this country too long and have forgotten just how much things cost. In general the supermarket shopping experience is far superior here...That's just the British in me coming out...Would I come back to the UK for the supermarkets alone...Well you just never know!

Walking around ASDA with a camera phone taking photo's of bread and other food staples must have seemed rather odd, but for me I felt like a kid in a sweet shop again. There are many aspects of home that I miss and this just happens to be one of them. On the down side however, as a nation, we don't exactly buy the best quality, healthiest food. Compared to Spain, our eating habits are terrible. Spain has taught me the importance of shopping wisely, within my means and and as local as I can!

Some boring photographs of bread, yes bread. Firstly I wanted to take a photo of Darrell's favourite Hovis loaf from the UK, which to his absolute horror you can't buy in Spain. Maybe I just want to make him a bit jealous. Secondly, look at the price; Spanish friends....55p a loaf, that is cheap. I have heard so many horror stories about the cost of things in the UK, but I haven't seen it myself. I have been amazed by how cheap things are!

This afternoon I've had some quality family time, with a house full of Cousins. I should have finished this blog entry hours ago, but for the number of people in and out of my Aunty Trisha's. All good though, I quite like having people about. I did manage to cook us all a Hungarian Goulash and am currently sat down watching 'Ru Paul's Drag Race' on Netflix with my little Cousin Ruby. Early night tonight, as I have to be in Southampton tomorrow morning!  Have a good evening y'all!

I arrived in my hometown of Fareham on a hot Sunday morning and my father met me from the train station; chatting in the car on the way to their home in Catisfield, just a short car ride away, I was captivated by the scenes of yesterday, appearing before my eyes. It did feel very strange being back in the town where I grew up between 1971 and 1992. As we travelled in the car, I was struck by just how much the place had changed and rather surprised at just how built up this small market town on the south coast of England had become.

I spent a good few hours with my Mother and Father, who I have not seen for many years for various reasons; circumstances, lifestyle choices and a difference of opinion being just three! We did have rather a lot to talk about as we discussed many different subjects and aired many divergent views! It was good to finally have a frank, honest discussion with my parents about my life, Bipolar and the problems of growing old, both in the UK and of course my home in Spain.

I am very different to Mum and Dad and have chosen an unorthodox road in life. Like most parents, they have expressed their concerns about my choices in the past and Sunday was no exception. I am of course happy to discuss my current situation but will always follow my own path; Mum and Dad are well aware of this, if a little apprehensive about my future security. I understand what they are saying, I often feel rather unstable and confused about where I am myself, but in the end, whoever we are, we will always do what we believe is best for our own well-being. It was lovely to see Mother and Father and I will definitely see them again before I leave the UK!

At two o'clock I made my way to Funtley Village Hall where members of my family were gathering for a farewell party, saying goodbye to my Great Aunty Margaret who is moving to Wales with her daughter and my Cousin Amanda and her lovely partner. All of them are beginning a new adventure, working the land and enjoying their lives in such a beautiful part of the United Kingdom.

Ever since I can remember, our family have always had special parties and events at this old village hall. The last time I was here would have been thirty years ago, as my life moved on, away from my roots. Sitting next to my Aunty Carol, discussing the family over the years, the youngest generation running around, playing under tables, skidding on the floor, I was reminded of just how important these bonds are. I was the young child  frolicking with other children in years gone by, enjoying a buffet made my Aunts, Uncles and Cousins; I was once more part of a family, that at one stage was the biggest in Hampshire, enjoying the company of those I had left behind.

It was wonderful to see a wall of photographs, encompassing all of the family, arranged for such a special day. So many faces I had not seen for a generation or more, many of whom were in attendance on Sunday.

I was apprehensive turning up as I did to join everyone saying their goodbyes. I was unsure as to the welcome I would receive, but I had no reason to worry, everyone was a joy to be around; it felt just like yesterday.

I realised the importance of family on Sunday and how much it means to me now, as I head towards my fifth decade. Wherever I am in future, no matter how far away, I will always be close to loved ones, a reminder of a special day!

This was a rather emotional journey and one I will probably never undertake again. I haven't seen these landmarks for many many years and despite the inevitable redevelopment over time I did recognise many of the places I enjoyed as a child. As I grow older I appreciate my humble beginnings more and more; it is important for me to reconnect with a past I have sadly avoided up until now!

On Sunday evening and Bank Holiday Monday I spent time with with my Uncle Paul and Aunty Helen, as well as my extended family in Portchester. Once again we discussed our different lives, Paul in Hampshire, Helen now living in the Channel Islands and me living in Spain. It was interesting as a writer to see just how much had transpired in the intervening years. The last time I had seen many of my relations was in the 1980's, things were very different back then. I felt proud of all of them for their hard work, achieving all they set out to achieve. My life is somewhat different containing periods of success but many more years of adversity. If anything, those I spent time with on the long weekend, inspired me to focus on the future and not the issues of the past.

On Monday we had breakfast at Port Solent Marina and a walk along the coast from Portchester Castle. I was last here in 1982, at eleven years old. This was the first time I appreciated exactly where I came from, a beautiful part of Britain, along the south coast of England; a wealth of history and scenic views for everyone to enjoy!

I finally arrived at my Aunty Trisha's yesterday evening following a short train journey from Portchester. After a quick catch up with my Aunt and Cousin Rachel it was time for a few vodka's. More talk about the future and the beginning of five weeks spent with family in  Portsmouth, the town of my birth. This is certainly turning into a trip down memory lane, a pilgrimage I should have done years ago. In a few weeks time, I should finally understand where my future lies, until then it's time to chill and relax with family and friends!

It's the last day in Spain for me, after what I can only describe as  a 'difficult' few weeks. Tomorrow I am returning to the UK for approximately five weeks, though Darrell and I are not sure just how long at the moment, it really depends on a number of factors. I suppose at the moment we are both temporarily homeless, until we are able to move into our new home. Obviously not destitute and on the streets, but without a place to live. At this time of year, finding somewhere to rent in Gran Alacant, is near on impossible, so like many others before us, we just have to do what we can, until the housing situation changes. Thankfully Darrell and I have some good friends, both here and in the UK.

Today I have just finished cleaning and tidying the house, before we move officially tomorrow; it finally looks like a show home again. Typically Darrell has started his four night shift pattern at the airport, just as we have to move; on top of that his car broke down a few days ago, but due to the support of others (Expats are a fabulous lot) we have managed to get it back on the road temporarily, until it can be fixed properly next week  It does seem like circumstances are conspiring against us at the moment and in truth I will be glad to get away from here for a while; the last few months have just warn me down!

Tomorrow I fly back home to stay with friends and family, reassess my life and hopefully make some choices about the direction I should be taking now. A change of environment and different surroundings should help me finally decide where I want to be! In the mean time, I have cases to pack, floors to bleach, dinner to cook and 'On The Buses' to watch!

Adios España, I'll be seeing you again soon!

I would like to wish the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex many congratulations on their Wedding today. Many of the bars  have opened their doors early here on the Costa Blanca, giving Expats the chance to celebrate Harry and Meghan's big day. I myself will be sat quietly watching the celebrations at home away from the fray. In the past I have celebrated every Royal occasion in my own unique way; this time however I am saving my celebrations for when I return to the UK next week!

Even though I live abroad, I am proud of my British roots, I am a supporter of the Royal Family and will always have strong affection for the country of my birth. I have heard much criticism of the institution of Monarchy over the years and just ignore the haters. The Queen and her family represent me and my country and they do it without reservation. As I sit here watching the television and the cross section of British society attending the Marriage, I am struck by the diverse nature of all those arriving. Prince Harry and Meghan represent a new breed of Royal, modern, accepting and two people who have already broken the mould, doing things their way, for that reason we should all give them our full support and wish them well with their life together.

Britain has once again pulled out all the stops, showing the World how to conduct a truly special occasion. This time the ceremony was very different from others gone before; the British Monarchy has entered the 21st century and it feels like a breath of fresh air has swept through the nation. At times I smiled, wiped a tear from my eye and had a very real sense I was witnessing the birth of something new; once pandora's box has been opened, it can't be closed again. Harry and Meghan will add their own unique style to the workings of Monarchy. Already the public have warmed to her and them both as a couple; the future looks secure for the new Duke and Duchess. They deserve all our support and an acceptance of the unaccustomed dawn breaking over the green fields of England. May you both be happy, always!

My sincere thanks to Mr Paul Robertson for his correspondence today nominating and confirming  me as a winner for the Versatile Blogger Award. I would like to thank him for his support in reading my blog and for taking time to aknowlege my writing as a source of inspiration for him. It's readers like Paul that make all the difference in what we do as bloggers!

As part of the awards process, I am required to include 7 interesting facts about me and nominate a further fifteen bloggers to join the growing list of winners.

1. I have been writing since the age of ten!

2. I have never won anything in my life, so this is a first, well actually a second, I have won the award before in 2015.

3.  I live in Spain, on the Costa Blanca in a small friendly urbanisation called Gran Alacant.

4.  I have been in a relationship with my Australian partner for twenty-three years, getting married on our twentieth anniversary in 2015.

5.  I am a Royalist and am looking forward to the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tomorrow!

6.  Still on the subject of Royalty.....I met Princess Diana in the 1990s while working in Portsmouth.

7.  I am a trained Mentor and Advocate for children who have no voice. I strongly believe in empowering kids to achieve everything they desire in life!

1.   Once Upon A Wren.

2.   That Cat Blog.

3.   Carry On Blogging.

4.   Bootleg Betty.

5.   The Hectic Cook.

6.   Royal Central.

7.   Expats Blog.

8.   Escape To France.

9.   Tom & Katie Down Under.

10.  Young adventuress.

11.  Spanish Sabores.

12.  Huffington Post.

13.  The Meow Blog.

14.  I Have Cat.

15.  Chez Le Rêve Français.

Just one week to go now, before I return back to the UK for a while. It has been quite frantic here over the last few days; there are so many people to see when I set foot back home, that I have been busy making arrangements. Let me first say, how much I am looking forward to returning to my old stomping ground; it really has been a long time coming, far too long in my book. It is about time I reconnect with family and friends I haven't seen for a long time, all of us have a lot to say to one another.

The last few months have not been the best for me it has to be said. Options have changed on an almost daily basis, as we streamlined our life to take account of our long term goals. Just when we thought things were going in the right direction, circumstances have served to cause more anxiety and stress, putting plans on hold for a future date. 

Darrell and I have always been rather spontaneous, rarely planning our life in any formal context, preferring the thrill of events shaping our future. Until recently we have never really had any issues with this carefree outlook, but of course times change and at our age, we have to reign ourselves in from time to time. The ideals we have are still firmly on our agenda, but we have had to revise our timetable, taking account of the time scale and external factors involved.

On the 25th May I fly to the UK, leaving Darrell behind in Spain, staying with friends. By the time I return we should be more settled in our surroundings, knowing a little bit more about our immediate future, which at the moment remains fluid. We have no set plans in place to deal with what comes next, except we will be staying in Spain. I had thought about making a permanent move back to the United Kingdom, to resettle in the short term. After investigating this course of action further, I discovered it would not be the most practical option. I have lived outside of Britain for about two and a half years now, consequently I have lost most of my rights to reside in my country of birth. This does seem rather unfair to me; I am no longer entitled to state help in any sense, including health care and benefits, so would be on my own.

For now, our financial situation will dictate what both of us do in the future. Darrell is still working full time, with an extremely understanding company in Alicante. They have been nothing but supportive at this time. I have been less lucky, still not working here at the moment, although have an offer of a job when I return at the beginning of July, from someone who has been instrumental in helping us through this difficult period. We are both lucky we have met some truly wonderful people since we came to Spain, individuals who have stepped up to the mark, giving us options in Gran Alacant, without them, we would have probably moved back to the UK, despite the difficulties involved; I couldn't really ask for more right now!

Today I have got more arrangements to make with friends before I leave next Friday. I have a lot of plans while I am staying on the south coast of England and want to fit in as much as I can; I am going to have a busy time that's for sure. I will be glad to be away from this place for a bit; testing times call for radical solutions, that's where we stand today; on the brink of something different, new and untested. See you next week Britain, can't wait!